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Phrasal verbs "pay for" vs "pay up"

Differences between pay for and pay up

Pay for means to give someone money in exchange for goods or services, while pay up means to pay a debt or an amount of money that is owed.

Meanings and Definitions: pay for vs pay up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Pay for

  • 1Purchase.

    I PAID twenty pounds FOR the book.

Pay up

  • 1To pay a debt or amount owed, especially when it is reluctantly or under pressure.

    At any rate, there's enough doubt now so that I can tell Montagu not to pay up, which is all I care about.

Usage Examples: pay for, pay up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

pay for

Example

I always pay for my groceries with cash.

Example

She pays for her gym membership every month.

pay up

Example

He needs to pay up before the deadline.

Example

She always pays up her debts on time.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pay for

settle the bill

To pay the total amount of money owed for goods or services received.

Example

After a delicious dinner, they asked for the check and decided to settle the bill.

foot the bill

To pay for something, especially when it is expensive or on behalf of others.

Example

The company footed the bill for the team's travel expenses to attend the conference.

cover the cost

To pay for the expenses or charges related to something.

Example

The insurance policy will cover the cost of the car repairs after the accident.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pay up

settle a debt

To pay back money that is owed to someone.

Example

He finally settled his debt with the bank after months of missed payments.

clear a balance

To pay off the remaining amount of money owed on a loan or credit card.

Example

She made a lump sum payment to clear her balance and avoid paying interest charges.

honour an agreement

To fulfill a promise or commitment, especially when it involves paying money.

Example

He had to honour his agreement and pay the contractor for the completed work.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “pay”

Phrasal Verbs with “for”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in pay for vs pay up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: pay for or pay up?

Both pay for and pay up are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, pay for is more frequently used because it is related to daily activities such as shopping, dining out, or paying bills. Pay up is used less often and usually in situations where someone owes money or has a debt to pay.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pay for and pay up

Pay for and pay up are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, pay up can sometimes be used in a more serious tone when someone is demanding payment or reminding someone of a debt.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of pay for and pay up

The tone of pay for is usually neutral or positive because it is related to exchanging money for goods or services. On the other hand, the tone of pay up can be negative or demanding because it is related to paying a debt or an amount of money that is owed.

pay for & pay up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Pay for

Synonyms

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